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Scandinavian Journal of Forensic Science
Number of Followers: 14

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1503-9552 - ISSN (Online) 2353-0707
Published by Sciendo

[370 journals]

Misdiagnosis of pulmonary artery aneurysm with eroding thrombus into the
airways. A fatal case of suffocation
- Abstract: We present a fatal case of hemoptysis following a thrombus-eroding pulmonary artery aneurysm into the left upper bronchus of a 79-year-old male with a history of multiple hospital contacts and examinations due to cough, hemoptysis, and reflux symptoms.A postmortem computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a hyperdense, condensed area in the left lung in relation to the lung hilus. At autopsy, the forensic specialist discovered a large, organized thrombus in a pulmonary artery aneurysm. The thrombus was adherent to the pulmonary artery aneurysm wall with an underlying defect directly communicating to the left upper bronchus. The cause of death was asphyxia due to blood in the airways (i.e., suffocation).The combination of pulmonary artery hypertension, previous pulmonary embolism, and hemoptysis should lead to a particularly thorough inspection of the lungs with a focus on the pulmonary circulation. This case report emphasizes the importance of early detection of patients at risk of pulmonary artery rupture and attentiveness when performing biopsies during bronchoscopy to prevent communication between the artery and the airway. The risk of rupturing an aneurysm should be taken into account when performing biopsies on excrescence intruding into the bronchus in patients with medical histories of pulmonary hypertension, cough, and sporadic hemoptysis.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Bereaved parents’ experiences of being informed about autopsy findings
after the sudden and unexpected loss of an infant or small child
- Abstract: Background: Following the sudden and unexpected loss of an infant or small child, the police usually request a forensic autopsy. National guidelines exist for how the autopsy report should be made available for the bereaved parents, but there is limited knowledge whether the guidelines are followed. This study aims to explore bereaved parents’ experiences of being informed about autopsy findings.Methodology: As part of in-depth follow-up interviews at 13 months post-loss, 24 couples were asked how they experienced being informed about autopsy findings. Participants’ responses underwent thematic analysis.Results: The results show that the waiting period before the autopsy report was made available was a burden for many parents, particularly those who experienced a delay in the process. Two main themes related to parents’ experiences of being informed when the report was available: ‘informed in a supportive and caring way’ and ‘difficult or negative experiences’.Conclusion: Several factors are described that help parents cope with being informed about autopsy findings, such as: being informed according to the given timeframe by competent health personnel, face-to-face meetings at the hospital, being able to ask questions and routine follow-up contact. These factors are mostly described in the national guidelines. This study shows that when guidelines were followed, the majority of parents were satisfied with how they were informed. Unfortunately, some parents had negative experiences. Regular training and continuing education for health personnel are recommended.
  PubDate: Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Relationship between head and neck injuries and helmet use in fatal
motorcycle and moped crashes in Denmark
- Abstract: Motorcycle- and moped crashes are prevalent in motorised societies and carry a significant risk of serious injury. Whereas helmet use has reduced the frequency and severity of head injuries, the association between helmet use and neck injury risk is less clear. In the present retrospective study, we examined the relationship between helmet use and various types of head and neck injuries resulting from fatal motorcycle and moped crashes during a 20-year period. Eighty-three cases were included of whom 56 were analysed in detail based on their confirmed use/non-use of helmet. Intracranial haemorrhage was the most common finding, followed by CNS disruption and skull fracture. There was a significantly lower prevalence of skull vault fractures and epidural haemorrhage in the helmeted cases. Injuries to the brainstem and cervical spine fracture/dislocation were more common in the helmeted cases, although this was likely a function of higher speeds among motorcycle riders rather than an effect of helmet use per se. Further investigation of these findings require additional detailed information regarding the nature and severity of the crash, as well as helmet use and type, in order to assess non-confounded associations with the anatomical distribution, type and severity of observed head and neck injuries.
  PubDate: Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

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